2 weeks Ago By Toyin Adebayo
ABUJA – In a clarion call for unity and divine intervention, Chief Segun Balogun Afolorunikan, Director-General of the National Prayer Forum, has urged Nigerians to come together in prayer to address the country’s escalating socioeconomic and security challenges. Speaking during a press conference at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Council Secretariat on Friday in Abuja, Chief Afolorunikan emphasized that the nation’s hardships, from rising costs of living to insecurity, require both community action and spiritual resolve. “Our nation’s difficulties from terrorism and kidnapping to economic hardship and skyrocketing food costs have reached a level that cannot be ignored,” he stated.
“We must rally together, not just as individuals but as unified people, to seek help from the only One who can provide relief. Only Almighty God can lift Nigeria out of this situation.” In response, the National Prayer Forum (NPT) has organized a week-long interfaith prayer program.
Set to begin later this month, the event will involve Muslims and Christians converging at the National Mosque and the National Ecumenical Center in Abuja. This initiative aims to invoke God’s intervention to help resolve Nigeria’s complex issues and inspire wise leadership in tackling them. “Prayer is our greatest strength, and we must not take it for granted,” Afolorunikan continued.
“As patriots, we believe the time is now for all Nigerians, regardless of background, to sincerely call on God to bring stability, peace, and prosperity back to our nation.” According to him; for seven consecutive days, Muslims will gather at the National Mosque, where 313 Huffazs (memorizers of the Quran) will recite the Quran daily. This continuous recitation is expected to conclude with the Quran being recited 2,191 times in total, a powerful act of faith for national peace and stability.
On the final day, 10,000 Salat (blessings) of the Prophet will be recited by each participant, marking a monumental display of devotion. Simultaneously, Christians will convene at the National Ecumenical Center, where prayer warriors from various denominations will engage in fervent prayers, calling down “fire on the nation’s enemies.” The week-long gathering will culminate in prayers for wisdom and strength for Nigeria’s leaders, as well as healing for its people.
He said that, the NPT has reached out to key religious and political figures nationwide, including the Sultan of Sokoto, the Etsu Nupe, and the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). State governors have also been invited to participate, with notable officials, including Her Excellency Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, expected to lead the Christian segment, while National Security Adviser Alhaji Nuhu Ribadu is set to preside over the Muslim prayers.
The National Prayer Forum’s esteemed membership, including respected figures like Chief Sunny Ajose, Sen. Abu Ibrahim, Chief Safari Adisa Adaranijo, and Chief Pius Akinyelure, underscores the importance of this initiative. Together, these leaders and citizens alike stand united in their hope for a Nigeria renewed by prayer and strengthened by a collective commitment to peace.
As Nigeria prepares for this historic spiritual undertaking, Chief Afolorunikan expressed his profound belief that God will answer the collective prayers of the Nigerian people. “In God, we trust for a better Nigeria. Let us join hands in faith and pray for a brighter future,” he concluded.
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